A Simple Guide For Caribbean Nationals
The Caribbean is naturally blessed with untapped virgin beauty, long white sandy beaches, iridescent natural pools, green and lush mountainous terrain. But it faces significant challenges from plastic pollution. The region contributes to an estimated 9 million tons of plastic waste each year, much of which ends up in the ocean, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. Making the change to a more sustainable alternative is environmentally beneficial, but it has the added benefit of offering support to local economies and artisans who are championing eco-friendly practices. Here’s how we can embrace plastic-free living while uplifting Caribbean-based businesses, and buying local.
1. Don't Forget Your Reusable Bag
It’s estimated that 500 billion plastic bags are used globally each year, with millions ending up in the ocean. Choosing reusable alternatives can dramatically cut this waste. Purchasing locally made canvas bags reduces the needs for plastic bags, even the large reusable bags are very difficult to recycle when they come to the end of their life cycle. These cloth bags are easier to store in your regular carry bag, and have a far longer life cycle than reusable plastic based bags.
The beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year, most of which is non-recyclable. As Caribbean people we love to have the latest and the greatest in brands and we especially take great pride in knowing we have purchased the best. Alarmingly, personal care items such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cosmetics often include microplastics like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These tiny plastic particles are used for various functions, including as exfoliants, texture enhancers, and stabilizers. For instance, anti-wrinkle creams can contain up to 90,000 plastic particles per application. By opting for locally made personal care organic products, you help reduce the volume of plastic waste and support local artisans dedicated to sustainable practices. Take a look at the products from Earth Elements, they use natural, and mostly locally sourced ingredients. Do yourself a favour and take this step not only benefits the environment but also introducing healthier options to your personal care routine.
3. Switch to Beeswax Wraps
Each year, 1.2 billion meters of plastic wrap is used globally, contributing significantly to non-biodegradable waste. Beeswax wraps, made by local Caribbean artisans using organic cotton and beeswax, offer a reusable and compostable solution. Beeswax food wraps are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic wraps. In Barbadoes Deep Blue Sea has developed bees wax food wraps.They are compostable, biodegradable and reusable. Beeswax wraps can be used to pack lunches and cover or seal leftover food items. Beeswax wraps are perfect for the Caribbean as we still have a healthy Bee- Keeping Industry with a large capacity for expansion. They are made with beeswax, cotton, olive oil and tree resin. They are anti-fungal and anti-microbial, so they can prevent food from rotting, especially once it goes into the fridge. If you leave it out on the counter, it will activate its ripening more. By switching to beeswax wraps, households can cut down on plastic use and embrace sustainable food storage.
4. Choose Compostable or Biodegradable Items
Globally, less than 9% of plastic is recycled, meaning most plastic items, like single-use tableware, contribute to pollution. Hello Green Caribbean in Trinidad provides biodegradable tableware that serves as a perfect replacement for disposable plastic containers. These items decompose naturally and reduce the burden on local waste management systems. Choosing such products supports eco-conscious regional businesses and sets a standard for sustainable dining practices.
5. Invest in Stainless Steel or Glass Containers
Statistics show that over 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or the ocean. Reusable containers are widely available which are made from stainless steel or glass are sustainable alternatives.
6. Select Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
The cleaning industry contributes heavily to plastic waste, with billions of bottles discarded annually. Very Essential Jamaica produces biodegradable, plastic-free cleaning products that offer an eco-friendly solution for households. Supporting these local products means choosing a cleaner environment and investing in brands that prioritise sustainability.
7. Swap over to Your Own Reusable Staw
4.4 billion plastic straws, are discarded globally, they are among the top pollutants in the oceans. Though paper straws, which are often presented as a sustainable alternative, have completely replaced plastic straws in Jamaica for example, they are not recyclable and still contribute to waste. Bambusa Jamaica offers bamboo straws that are fully biodegradable and reusable, making them a superior choice. These straws are not only eco-friendly but reflect the natural ingenuity and resourcefulness of the region.
8. Buy in Bulk with ReusableAnd Refillable Containers
Plastic packaging accounts for 40% of all plastic waste, most of which is single-use. Buying in bulk and bringing your own containers,goes a far way in combatting plastic waste. This practice also supports traditional Caribbean craftsmanship and encourages markets to embrace eco-friendly practices.
9. Choose Sustainable Food Storage Solutions
Silicone Storage Bags is not a widely known options and unfortunatley I have not been able to find any silicone bag companies in the Caribbean if you know of any let me know in the comments. These bags are made from natural silica found in rocks and sand. SC Johnson owners of the Ziploc brand understood the potention of this technology to tackle plastic waste that they bought the brand Stasher reusabable bags which is available internationally through their website.
10. Back Local Sustainable Brands
360 Recycle Manufacturing Ltd. is a pioneer in Jamaica, repurposing plastic waste materials into eco-friendly products and construction supplies. This initiative not only diverts plastic from landfills but also educates the public on the importance of recycling. Supporting companies like 360 Recycle promotes economic growth and environmental stewardship, reinforcing Jamaica’s position as a leader in sustainability.
Why Supporting Local Matters
Supporting locally made, sustainable products contributes to the economy, celebrates traditional craftsmanship, and it lets us feel proud of our communities. When you buy local, you reduce carbon emissions from transportation and support artisans who use natural, biodegradable materials such as bamboo, coconut shells, and clay, or have developed circular business models that allow them to service what they have sold you so their products never have to make it to the landfills. These sustainable practices help protect our environment and preserve the Caribbean’s unique cultural legacy.
The Bigger Picture: A Sustainable Caribbean Legacy
Making these changes isn’t just about immediate benefits. It’s about setting a long-term vision where the Caribbean becomes a model of sustainability, balancing natural beauty with responsible living. By reducing our plastic use, supporting local artisans, and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we contribute to a collective effort that benefits both our environment and our communities.
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